Happy Easter.  I hope your day is filled with whatever brings you joy, peace, and love.

I have been spending a great deal of time lately raising “awareness” for autism.  It is part of my job in fulfilling the education mission of the Hormel Historic Home, but I wonder what others think about the word “awareness” and its purpose.

According to Webster’s dictionary “awareness” means: “knowing that something (such as a situation, condition, or problem) exists;” “feeling, experiencing, or noticing;” or “knowing and understanding a lot about what is happening in the world or around you.”

These are pretty obvious definitions so I asked some people who are keenly “aware” of autism in their lives what they thought.  Following are their answers.

“Autism awareness is important so people understand that early intervention and programming for autistic youth is valuable and necessary because autism is a lifelong thing.  It doesn’t go away.”

—Mother of autistic son

“The ultimate goal of autism awareness is to help kids.”

—Mother of autistic child

“Raising autism awareness is important to me because when I’m out with my boys, and one or both have a meltdown, it would be a little easier on me if people understood what a meltdown is and that my boys aren’t spoiled nor am I a bad parent.

— Mom of two autistic boys ages 10 and 11

“Including a person with autism is a big challenge for some people because they don’t know how to properly communicate with that person. It is a big thing to include a person with autism because a lot of people have this disorder.  In the United States 1 in 68 births have autism; that might seem like small numbers, but it adds up. My little sister is one of these people.  It’s hard when she can’t do all the things I do with my friends, so we work hard to find things she can do with us instead of just watching us.  I’m glad there are people out there that want to help, but there are also people who don’t care.  I hope one day everyone can accept that, yes there are people out there that have a disability, but they still should be treated like everyone else.”

—12 year old sister to autistic youth

“It is amazing what we can learn from someone without a voice if we just listen.”

—Mother of

non-communicative autistic child

Thank you for becoming more aware of the autism programming at the Hormel Historic Home.  It is important and your “awareness” is beneficial to others.

 History Happy Hour

5:30 p.m., April 13

Austin’s early influence on poetry and literacy with a focus on Richard Eberhart and the Ladies Floral Club presented by Pat Nicolai and Pat Stevens.

Social time starts at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and a cash bar available. Event is free to members of the HHH, the Mower County Historical Society and the Friends of the Library. RSVP appreciated, walk-ins welcome. 507-433-4243.

 Social Concerns

10 a.m., April 22

Spring Gardening Tips presented by Randy Berg of Berg’s Nursery. He will give an overview of how to get ready for your spring gardening projects. Bring your questions and Randy will answer them. Coffee and snack provided. Please call to let us know you are joining us. 507-433-4243